Vastu Shastra · वास्तु शास्त्र

Garden Vastu: open space, trees and water

In garden Vastu, the open space, lawns and low plants go in the north and east of the plot, while tall trees are commonly planted in the south and west. A water feature, if there is one, is commonly placed in the north-east, and large trees are kept away from the main door and the walls of the house.

By Namieta Modi, Vastu consultant in Nagpur · Updated 9 Oct 2026

This follows the basic Vastu rule for any plot: the house stands towards the south-west, and the north and east are left more open. A garden simply fills that open space well. The suggestions below are what most consultants traditionally give.

Open space in the north and east

Vastu leaves more open space in the north and east of a plot, so these are the natural places for a lawn, a flower bed or a sitting area. Low plants and grass keep these zones light and let the morning sun reach the house.

Tulsi is commonly planted in the north, north-east or east, and flowering plants such as jasmine and marigold are often kept along the north and east beds.

Tall trees in the south and west

Large trees are commonly planted along the south and west edges of the plot. In Vastu these are the heavy zones, and tall trees there are said to give shelter, in the same way that the south and west walls of a house are kept higher.

Many consultants suggest keeping big trees far enough from the house that their shadow does not fall on it in the morning, and their roots do not reach the foundations. A tree directly in front of the main door is commonly avoided, as it is said to block the entrance.

Part of the garden	Commonly placed	Commonly avoided
Lawn and open space	North and east	Only in the south-west
Tall trees	South and west, away from the walls	North-east, or before the main door
Water feature or pond	North-east	South-west and south-east
Heavy rockery or statues	South-west	North-east
Flower beds and tulsi	North, north-east or east	Shaded corners in the south
Swing or seating	North or east	Directly in the north-east corner

Water in the garden

Water belongs to the north-east and north. A small pond, fountain or birdbath is commonly placed in the north-east of the garden, and an underground tank or borewell traditionally goes in the north-east, north or east.

Clean, moving or fresh water is preferred over still water that turns green. A fountain whose flow points towards the house is commonly suggested over one that points away.

What to avoid near the house

Thorny plants such as cacti are commonly kept away from the main door and the windows, though roses are usually welcome. Dead trees, stumps and dried plants are cleared, and creepers are not allowed to climb the walls of the house itself.

Rubbish, broken pots and garden tools left lying around are commonly stored in a shed in the south or west, rather than heaped in the north-east.

A large tree directly in front of the main door.
Thorny plants close to the entrance.
Dead trees, stumps and dried plants.
Creepers growing on the house walls.
Heavy rockeries or sheds in the north-east.

Check your own plot. Check a plot of land against the traditional Vastu rules before you buy or build.

Plot Vastu Calculator

Do

Keep lawns and open space in the north and east.
Plant tall trees along the south and west edges.
Place any pond or fountain in the north-east.
Keep heavy rockeries or sheds in the south-west or west.
Plant tulsi in the north, north-east or east.
Keep water clean and moving.

Avoid

Do not plant a large tree in the north-east.
Do not let a tree stand directly in front of the main door.
Do not plant big trees close enough to shade the house in the morning.
Do not keep thorny plants near the entrance.
Do not leave dead trees or stumps standing.
Do not let creepers climb the house walls.

Adjustments without rebuilding

Where tall trees stand in the north-east, many consultants suggest balancing them with taller planting in the south and west.
A tree in front of the main door is commonly pruned so the doorway stays open, rather than cut down.
Moving a garden shed or heavy planters from the north-east to the south-west is commonly suggested.
A pond in the south-west is often filled in and a smaller water feature placed in the north-east instead.

These are traditional practices that many families follow. They vary between Vastu schools; for your own home, a consultant can say which matter most.

Questions

Which direction is best for a garden in Vastu?

The north and east, where Vastu leaves more open space. Lawns, flower beds and low plants are commonly kept there.

Where should big trees be planted?

Along the south and west edges, far enough from the house that their shadow does not fall on it in the morning and their roots stay clear of the foundations.

Where should a fountain or pond go?

In the north-east of the garden, the water zone. The water is kept clean and, where possible, moving.

Is a tree in front of the main door bad?

A large tree directly before the door is commonly avoided, as it is said to block the entrance. Pruning it to keep the doorway open is the usual first step.

Related Vastu guides

Vastu plants: Tulsi, money plant, bamboo and more: where each is traditionally kept, and which plants are kept outside.
Plot Vastu: Plot facing, shape, slope, roads and soil: what Vastu commonly checks before you buy or build.
Water tank Vastu: Where the borewell, sump, overhead tank and septic tank go, and the directions to avoid.
Main door Vastu: The best directions for the main door, where it sits on the wall, and what to keep out of its way.
Vastu remedies without demolition: Room use, colours, light, clutter, mirrors, plants, salt and yantras: traditional fixes, and when to rebuild.

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